Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males

Indiana – Visiting a barbershop in one of these twelve cities on Saturday, April 13, 2013 could mean more than just getting a haircut; it might save your life. The Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males in conjunction with local commissions and community partners will be providing health screenings and education at more than 50 barbershops from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Indiana Black Barbershop Heath Initiative, along with numerous volunteers, seeks to enlighten African American men to better understand cardiovascular diseases through screening and education. This year’s statewide initiative partners include Admiral Medical Supplies, Affecting Cancer Together (ACT) and the Indiana Minority Health Coalition. The initiative also enjoys support from local health and community partners and is thankful for the public engagement in each city.

Recent figures from the Indiana Department of Health show African American men have the highest mortality rate of any group in Indiana. African American men also suffer from prostate cancer at a higher level in Indiana than any other racial or ethnic group.

Through black-owned barbershops, which represent a cultural institution of familiarity and trust, the initiative chose to provide health information and screenings in an environment men are comfortable with. This year the goal is to screen over one thousand men across the twelve cities. Last year in nine participating cities 748 screenings were performed.

This is the third year for the annual initiative and from the first year with six cities the initiative has doubled to twelve cities. The initiative utilizes over fifty barbershops, over two hundred barbers and more than three hundred volunteers.